Brian Harman, the reigning Open champion, tells a funny tale of how he and fellow PGA TOUR winner, Matt Every made a poor error in judgement on a young Asian golfer more than a decade ago. In contrast, Jack Nicklaus, holder of a record 18 major victories, knew the golf world was in for a special treat with the emergence of a rising star.
Paired together in the opening two rounds of the 2012 Sony Open in Hawaii alongside one of several Japanese sponsor exemptions that week, Harman's first impression was similar to Every's thoughts - "Don't think this kid's got it."
"So, we're playing with this kid, and he's very nervous and there are photographers all over the place. He dribbled a couple off the tee boxes and Matt and I made the comment, don't think this kid's got it," said Harman. "He's like nervous beyond all belief. Missed the cut. Didn't play good at all. Don't think this guy is gonna make it... Hideki Matsuyama."
Yes, the very same Hideki Matsuyama, who is now Asia's winningest golfer on the PGA TOUR with nine career victories to date - four more than Harman and Every combined - and proud owner of a green jacket following an historic triumph at the 2021 Masters Tournament.
"So, Matt and I would joke about that. Yeah, we missed on that one," Harman laughed.
This month marks Matsuyama's 10th anniversary of his maiden PGA TOUR victory at The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, an event hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. The octogenarian still remembers vividly Matsuyama's glorious march to victory at Muirfield Village and instantly liked what he saw.
"When he won, I said, he's going to win a lot of golf tournaments and he's going win some majors," said Nicklaus. "He was a good player before he got here, obviously, or he wouldn't have been here. I knew that, we all knew that," added the 84-year-old on Matsuyama, who was a two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur champion before turning professional.
Denne historien er fra June 2024-utgaven av Golf Asia.
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Denne historien er fra June 2024-utgaven av Golf Asia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LIGHT YEARS AHEAD
When form follows function, demanding both technical excellence and style, these new timepieces hit the sweet spot for comfort and visibility
SCULPT FICTION
Is it true that fillers are the only way to get chiselled cheekbones? How can a strong chin rescue a chubby face? Are radio-frequency (RF) machines out of fashion? We ask aesthetic doctors and a plastic surgeon to weigh in on the facts and fallacies in the business of face contouring.
LEONIAN GOES WEST
One of Singapore’s largest golf retailer opens at IMM.
PERENNIAL PERFECTION
Kota Permai Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur never fails to receive accolades from those who play it. General Manager Sheren Yong shares some insights on how one of Malaysia's best courses and clubs does it.
FIND AND ZEEKR
A review of the new luxury crossover from Chinese carmaker, Zeekr.
LET'S PLAY GOLF
Mizuno Singapore launches new brand marketing efforts with an event at Laguna Practice Driving Range.
CHRISTMAS AT TMCC
Tanah Merah Country Club pulled out all the stops to hold the Christmas Golf Challenge & Festive Light-Up.
THE RANGE...WHERE CARELESS TALK COSTS SHOTS
Keep calm and remember your fundamentals
NEW AND NOTABLE FOR JANUARY
From inventive Asian cuisine to flawless steakhouse classics, here are our top dining spots for the month.
LUXE BOUTIQUE
The new Lexus Boutique aims to titillate all five senses while customers wait for their cars.
